Could Larry Ogunjobi signing spell doom for Steelers Loudermilk?

With the Steelers adding to their defensive line room, could last year’s rookie find himself the odd man out?

The Steelers announced that they had signed veteran defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi to their roster following the retirement of Stephon Tuitt. On paper, this move makes a lot of sense. While replacing Tuitt is a nearly impossible task thanks to his perfect fit as an end on this defense, Ogunjobi has a lot of similar traits and is a talented defender in his own right.

He was so talented that he had agreed to terms on a multi-year deal with the Bears that would have paid him north of million dollars. That deal fell through after he failed a physical though. Now healthy (as evident due to him passing a physical to sign, Ogunjobi adds even more depth to an already talented defensive line depth chart.

Some Steelers players may be worried

It is a well-known fact that the Steelers tend to keep six defensive linemen on the roster at any given time. While exceptions have been made before, more often than not six are present after the final cutdowns and then five are active on game day. If you are counting current names on the roster, there are eight realistic players who could be on the final roster.

Four of those names are essentially locks. Cameron Heyward and Tyson Alualu are both established veterans and entrenched starters. Chris Wormley stepped in and played last year for Tuitt. DeMarvin Leal is also safe considering he was a third-round pick in this past draft. While not a lock by any means, Montravius Adams was a solid nose tackle last year and is the only realistic backup there.

That leaves the newly signed Ogunjobi, Carlos Davis, and Isaiahh Loudermilk fighting for potentially one roster spot. As of this writing, Davis is likely out, although he could potentially be traded away in training camp. That leaves the final two names fighting for a spot on this final roster.

Loudermilk was a pleasant surprise

To be fair up front, Loudermilk was a surprise as a rookie. From the team trading up for him, to the amount he player, to how solid he looked as a rookie, there is little reason to believe he would be out the door despite it coming down to the roster numbers. With the addition of Ogunjobi though, that option may squarely be on the table.

The numbers certainly don’t favor Loudermilk, but there could be some changes that save him. While not the final authority on the roster, new GM Omar Khan may influence the team keeping a seventh defensive lineman around, especially after how injured the group was last year. As well, an injury in camp could lead to Loudermilk moving up the depth chart.

It is even possible that Ogunjobi doesn’t make the final roster. While it would be a mild surprise, the financials of the deal haven’t been disclosed and if an injury persists with him in camp, he may not show enough to stick around. That doesn’t seem overly likely though given the caliber of player that Ogunjobi is.

As of now, the odds certainly aren’t favoring Loudermilk. Despite holding his own last season, the former fifth-round pick may be out the door due to a crowded defensive line room. While none of this is set in stone, one has to think his odds of making the Steelers final roster have taken a hit since the news of the Ogunjobi signing broke.